‘Miraculous’ THINK ABOUT IT retired

Oct 21, 2024

THINK ABOUT IT won 11 races and more than $12 million prizemoney but saved the biggest triumph of his career for October 19, 2024, a chilling 12 months on from his Everest victory.

One of the leading chances in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m), THINK ABOUT IT was his usual rambunctious self pre-race and went around to the starting gates ready to compete.

After beginning well enough from another wide gate, things took a catastrophic turn around the 500m mark.

The gelding started to yield ground noticeably and then staggered to a horrifying fall at the top of the straight, dislodging rider Jason Collett who, mercifully, was uninjured.

Nothing quite prepares you for the shock and sheer randomness of a horse collapsing mid-race. When the screens go up, you immediately fear the worst and just hope you have the chance to say goodbye.

But a miracle happened. Despite a severe pulmonary haemorrhage, THINK ABOUT IT rose to his feet as if to say “not today guys!”

One of the clerks of the course said they had never seen a horse bleed to that extent and survive, let alone get up.

Hearing the crowd cheer as this amazing horse walked himself back to the raceday stalls was a spine-tingling, heart-warming moment.

One attribute that’s almost a prerequisite for elite equine athletes is a great constitution and THINK ABOUT IT is clearly as tough as nails.

However, the risk of him bleeding again is simply too great to contemplate a racing future so retirement was the only option. He owes us nothing.

As well as the 2023 Everest – his ninth consecutive win and the most since the mighty WINX, THINK ABOUT IT’s other major successes came in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap and Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup.

Whilst it was a long way from the ideal exit for ‘SPUD’, one thing is for sure, he’ll never be forgotten.

A $70,000 yearling, this great horse is a true rags to riches tale.

All of us at Proven Thoroughbreds are so grateful for the journey he took us on and everyone who has been involved in his career, namely trainer Joe Pride, strappers Jeff Purse, Justin McIntosh and Brendan Potts as well as jockeys Sam Clipperton, Rory Hutchings, Blake Shinn and Jason Collett.

Just as touching has been the number of people in the industry who have come forward and offered a forever home for THINK ABOUT IT.

This is a decision that will be made in consultation with the ownership group, but rest assured he will be spending his retirement in a loving and stimulating environment. We look forward to updating you all on this soon.

Thank you all and thank you SPUD!

Jamie and Tom Walter

CAREER SNAPSHOT

THINK ABOUT IT (SO YOU THINK x TIARE) 6yo bay gelding
19:11-1-2
$12,163,050
Stakes wins – The Everest, G1 Stradbroke Handicap, G1 Kingsford Smith Cup, G2 Premiere Stakes, G3 Liverpool City Cup, L Takeover Target Stakes
2023-24 NSW Sprinter Of The Year
2022-23 Most Progressive ATC Horse

THE PANTHEON OF WINNING STREAKS IN AUSTRALIA

33 – WINX
25 – BLACK CAVIAR
21 – PICNIC IN THE PARK
19 – GLOAMING, DESERT GOLD
18 – AJAX
17 – MAINBRACE
15 – BERNBOROUGH, CARBINE
14 – PHAR LAP
13 – LIMERICK
12 – TULLOCH, FIRESTICK
11 – KINGSTON TOWN, EURYTHMIC, BEAU LIVRE, BARAKEY, SOMERSET FAIR
10 – SURROUND, PLANET RULER, PROUD MISS, DEAFAULTER, GAY LUNGI, RACONTEUR
9 – THINK ABOUT IT

REPLAYS OF THINK ABOUT IT’S FEATURE WINS

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